The School of Dance Mortlake was founded in 1980 by Diane Vere, former dancer with the Royal Ballet Company, under the name of Classical Ballet for Children.  In 2009, Maria Jell-Shah, who had been a teacher at the school, began her role as principal and altered the name to the present one.  

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In January 2015 former professional ballet dancer Julia Timmons became the new principal of the school.  

 

Over the years the school has benefited from a large number of excellent teachers and dancers who have helped to maintain a high standard of technique and professionalism.